Piloting a Culturally Adapted Arabic Structured Small-Group Education Program for Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Background:Kuwait has a high prevalence and incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D). At present there is a need for structured educational programs (SEP) specifically tailored for Arabian youth with T1D. This SEP was locally and culturally adapted from the Kids In Control of Food (KICk-OFF) course delivered at the Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait. Aims:To explore the psychological and social impact of a pilot SEP for Arabian youth with T1D and their mothers through exploring their respective perspectives. Methods:All 20 participants were interviewed using semistructured interviews individually, with a duration of approximately 30-45 min. The interviews were recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Results:The adolescents gained more self-confidence in managing their diabetes and their mothers were more confident in allowing their children take the lead in their diabetes self-management. Participants were empowered with adequate knowledge about the underlying pathophysiology of glucose metabolism and the nutritional and pharmacological management which made them feel in control and helped them to better cope with diabetes. It reduced diabetes-related family stress and gave them more social freedom, supporting behavioral change for a better lifestyle. Conclusions:Attending the adapted SEP had a positive impact on adolescents with T1D and their mothers through enhancement of their knowledge and confidence, thus giving them a sense of disease control. This pilot study has proven effective in terms of enhancement of confidence in diabetes management and psychosocial factors. Therefore, there is a need for a wider implementation.

ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2022: Diabetes education in children and adolescents

“…In qualitative studies young persons with diabetes often report they appreciate group education. Adolescents also express that meeting others with the same condition and shared experiences can help mitigate the isolation of diabetes 61,80,81 . During the transition period from adolescence into adulthood there are specific education needs such as self‐management and decision support, and group clinics 82–85 .…”

“…Adolescents also express that meeting others with the same condition and shared experiences can help mitigate the isolation of diabetes. 61 , 80 , 81 During the transition period from adolescence into adulthood there are specific education needs such as self‐management and decision support, and group clinics. 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 Young people also benefit from workshops to prepare for the transition.…”

A picture is worth a thousand words: A culturally-tailored video-based approach to diabetes education in Somali families of children with type 1 diabetes

“…Data supporting culturally-tailored diabetes education in individuals with type 2 diabetes is well represented in the literature [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] . However, this is not the case in T1D, where data on culturally-tailored education are scant and greatly needed [17] , [18] .…”